What should swimmers eat to perform their best?
In general, swimmers need to load up on carbohydrates, and avoid meat and sweets before a meet. Proper eating is essential the entire week before a big meet. When tapering (easing off on training), calories should be cut back too, to prevent weight gain. Eating small portions of food often seems to work better than eating large amounts at meals. Drinking the proper amount of fluids is important as well, during this time, especially. Dehydration can leave your swimmer feeling tired and achy. Distance swimmers need to stock up on more carbohydrates than do sprinters. It is a good idea to eat a large meal the night before a meet and go light on breakfast the next morning. During the meet, snack on foods such as pretzels, bagels, energy bars, or crackers. Sports drinks are a must, as is a water bottle which they can fill and take to practice and to meets.
